Monthly News and Updates From the City of Simi Valley |
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Welcome to the March 2022 issue of the City Focus. This is the City of Simi Valley's e-newsletter designed to keep residents informed about the programs, events, and services happening in the City. This issue includes the latest information on:
- The Santa Susana Mixed Use Project
- Volunteer Opportunities in the City
- A "Tour" of the New City website
- 118 Freeway Beautification Project
- Free Tacos with the FiberCity Team
Not yet a subscriber? Sign up on our E-Notify system to receive the latest City of Simi Valley news directly to your email. You can also sign up to receive agendas for public meetings, including City Council and Planning Commission meetings as soon as they are released.
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Santa Susana Plaza Mixed-Use Project to Move Forward |
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At the February 28, 2022 meeting, the City Council approved a four-story mixed-use project at Santa Susana Plaza (2196 Tapo Street). This project includes 280 apartment units and 4,750 square feet of commercial space. 14 of the apartments will be set aside for very-low income qualified renters.
Once built, this project will satisfy 14 Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocations for the Very Low Income category and 266 units will satisfy the Above Moderate Income category. These RHNA units are required by the State of California.
Additional information on the project, including the types of units, amenities, and anticipated starting rents, is available in the staff report.
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Term of the Month - RHNA Numbers |
RHNA (often said as 'ree-na') stands for Regional Housing Needs Assessment, which is mandated by State Housing Law and administered by the State of California Housing and Community Development Agency (HCD). It determines the number of market rate and below market rate housing units that city and county governments need to plan or zone for over an eight year period. Simi Valley was allocated 2,793 RHNA units between 2021 and 2029 and has zoned for them in the updated Housing Element in the General Plan.
It should be noted that cities and counties don't build housing, developers do. The City's role is to ensure that areas of the City are identified where new units can be built.
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Neighborhood Councils To Provide Input on
Allowing Cannabis Businesses in Simi Valley
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During their January 24, 2022 City Council meeting, the City Council requested a discussion regarding cannabis businesses in Simi Valley. The City Council heard the item at the February 28, 2022 meeting, where staff provided a presentation that included a review of the cannabis related measures (Measures Q, R, and S) that were on the ballot in the 2018 municipal election.
Measure Q, which passed, allowed the City to tax cannabis activity. Measures R and S, which were non-binding advisory measures, failed. Measure R asked voters if cannabis businesses should be allowed in the City. Measure S asked voters if allowed, should cannabis business be confined to an industrial zone designated at the far west end of town.
The City Council voted to direct staff to provide the same presentation to the Neighborhood Councils and poll Neighborhood Council members on their current viewpoint on allowing cannabis businesses in the City, including recreational retail, medicinal retail, cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and distribution.
City staff will present to the Neighborhood Councils in April, with the City Council considering their feedback in May. Presently, the City Council's action is only seeking feedback from the Neighborhood Councils, and is not voting to allow cannabis sales in the City (cannabis delivery is currently permitted statewide).The public is always invited to attend Neighborhood Council meetings.
Please view the staff report from February 28, for a complete description of the 2018 measures and the election results.
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The City Council meets on Monday evenings, typically twice or more per month, at 6:30 p.m. Meetings take place in City Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 2929 Tapo Canyon Road. The public is invited to watch City Council meetings either in-person or on the following platforms:
Spectrum TV- Channel 10
AT&T Uverse- Channel 99
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City Council Meeting Agendas, Minutes, and Recordings:
You can view agendas, minutes, and recordings of past City Council meetings and upcoming meeting agendas as they are released here.
If you wish to receive City Council meeting agendas directly to your email, please sign up on e-notify.
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Public Statements:
Do you want to provide a public statement at a City Council meeting?
Instructions on how to provide a public statement during a City Council meeting will be on each meeting agenda.
Sign up to receive the agendas and instructions.
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It's Recruitment Season! Volunteer to Serve on City Boards, Commissions, and Councils |
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The City has Volunteer Opportunities for All Ages, from Middle Schoolers
to Seniors
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The City of Simi Valley has several opportunities coming up for residents to volunteer and give back to the community. Current recruitments include opportunities to serve on the Community Projects Grant Review Committee, the Arts Commission, Neighborhood Councils, Youth Council, and Youth Employment Service Advisory Board. |
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The Community Projects Grant Review Committee reviews funding requests for the Community Projects Grant and makes funding recommendations for City Council to review and approve. Applications are being accepted for one community at-large position. Applications are due March 15, 2022. Apply Here
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The Simi Valley Arts Commission is responsible for reviewing the annual financial and operational plans for the Cultural Arts Center, in addition to making recommendations for capital purchases, grants, and other opportunities. Applications are due March 25, 2022. Apply Here
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The Neighborhood Councils advise the City Council and Planning Commission on resident concerns, development projects, and other matters as requested. Applications are due March 11, 2022. Apply Here
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The Simi Valley Youth Council is an advisory board (of middle and high school age youth) to the City Council on issues affecting youth in the community. The Application period will be announced soon. Visit the Youth Council webpage for more information.
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The Youth Employment Service Advisory Board is made up of a variety of community stakeholders that discuss employment issues that relate to youth. Application period will be announced soon. Visit the Youth Employment Service webpage for more information.
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Looking For Other Ways To Volunteer? |
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If serving on Boards, Committees and Commissions isn't quite for you, here are two other volunteer opportunities at the Cultural Arts Center and Senior Center:
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The Cultural Arts Center is seeking volunteer ushers to help scan tickets and help guests find their seats for plays, concerts, and more. Contact the Cultural Arts Center to learn more.
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The Simi Valley Senior Center opportunities include serving as an Senior Center Ambassador, a Meals on Wheels Driver, a Kitchen Assistant, and the ever important volunteer Senior Share Program Coordinator. Begin by submitting an application.
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Take a Tour of the New SimiValley.org! |
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Last month, the City launched it's newly redesigned website, www.simivalley.org. Aside from the the updated look, the new website is designed to provide visitors with quick access to most frequently used services. Here are some of the features:
- A Service Finder feature at the top of the page, allowing visitors to select from a variety of fields of the most common website tasks.
- Eight prominent buttons on the Home Page, minimizing the amount of clicks to reach frequently visited pages like paying an utility bill, applying for a permit, transit information, and reporting a maintenance issue.
- An address lookup feature at the center of the homepage, allowing visitors to determine their City Council and Neighborhood Council Districts, elected representatives, trash day, street sweeping day, and water service provider.
- An improved, easier to read News and Calendar interface.
- Integration of Google Translate, allowing for the website to be translated into over 100 languages.
You can take a quick video tour of the website on the City's YouTube Channel. We anticipate a few more developments in the upcoming weeks, so stay tuned for more information.
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Simi Valley Residents Invited to Provide Input on County-wide Hazard Mitigation Plan |
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The Comment Period is Open Through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 |
Throughout 2021, the City of Simi Valley worked in partnership with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services to update the County’s 2015 Hazard Mitigation Plan, including identified hazards in Simi Valley. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is a comprehensive resource document that serves to identify cost-effective and sustainable actions to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from natural hazards.
A draft of the updated Ventura County 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan is now available for the public to review and comment on ReadyVenturaCounty.org.
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The Simi Valley Police Department
Welcomes Police K9 "Maui"
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Maui is a 22 month-old Dutch Shepherd From Gold Coast K9 of Moorpark |
The Simi Valley Police Department is excited to announce the addition of K9 "Maui" to the Department's canine team. He recently completed his state required certification processes for both patrol operations and improvised explosive device detection.
Maui's purchase and training were made possible by the generous contributions from the Simi Valley Police Foundation.
Welcome to the team, Maui!
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City of Simi Valley Recognized
for Excellence in Financial Reporting
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This Marks the 41st Consecutive Year the City Has Been Recognized for this Achievement |
The City of Simi Valley has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
The most recently reviewed report was for the fiscal year ending June 2020. The report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential user groups to read the full report.
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Learn About The Fiber Optic Network Coming to Simi Valley and Score A Free Taco |
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FiberCity Eat and Greet Events Begin Monday, March 7, 2022 |
Curious about the new fiber optic network coming to Simi Valley? Do you have questions for local internet service providers (ISP) on the network?
Sifi Networks is hosting a FiberCity® Eat and Greet Taco Truck every Monday (excluding holidays) from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., where the community can meet the FiberCity® Team and ISP reps. Oh yes, and enjoy a free taco!
Follow Simi Valley FiberCity on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn where Sifi and the taco truck will be each week.
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State-Funded Project to Beautify
118 Freeway On and Off Ramps
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Rock, Cobble, and Drought Tolerant Landscaping to Replace Existing Groundcover at Six Interchanges |
As part of the Clean California initiative, Caltrans is awarding $312 million for 126 beautification projects along the state highway system, including 17 beautification and safety-related projects in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Specific to Simi Valley, this project will enhance six on and off-ramps along the 118 freeway, with an estimated cost of $3.9 million, funded entirely through Clean California. The full announcement and a complete listing of Clean California projects by Caltrans District is available on the Caltrans website.
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New Battery Backup System
Installed at City Facilities
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Project is Anticipated to Reduce Electrical Costs and Power Critical Infrastructure During Emergencies |
In February 2022, the City, working in collaboration with Tesla, completed the installation of a battery backup system at City facilities. The project, funded through a program offered by the California Public Utilities Commission at no cost to the City, provides energy storage for the Civic Center, Water Pump Stations, and the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The system provides two benefits to the City: stored energy can be used at peak hours, reducing the City's reliance on energy provided by Southern California Edison; and the system can provide power during electrical outages and emergencies, ensuring that critical programs can continue, such as the City's Cooling Centers at the Senior Center and Library.
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Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event
Saturday, March 19, 2022
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Appointments Fill Up Fast -
Schedule Today!
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The City provides a quarterly, no-cost household hazardous waste drop-off service for all Simi Valley residents by appointment. For more information on accepted materials and to schedule an appointment for the March 19 event, please visit the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off program webpage.
Please note that businesses may not use this program.
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Landscaping Workshops in March |
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Learn About Turf Removal, Garden Design, Irrigation, and Native Plants at These No-Cost Workshops |
If you're looking to transition from a grass lawn to a more environmentally friendly, drought-tolerant landscape (and save on your water bill!) please join us for a series of workshops during March.
All workshops are free, open to the public, and nearly all take place online. The entire workshop schedule and registration links can be found on the City's Event Calendar.
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Go Cashless on Simi Valley Transit |
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Pay with Your Credit or Debit Card and Always Have Your Bus Pass with You! |
Token Transit mobile pass lets you ride Simi Valley Transit with ease and convenience. You may purchase and store your pass with a smartphone by using the mobile ticketing app which offers an alternative to cash and paper passes.
Simply download the Token Transit App, link it to a credit or debit card, and purchase tickets for immediate and future use.
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Application Deadline Extended for the
2022 Community Volunteer of the Year
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Nominations are Now Due by
Friday, March 11, 2022
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The Simi Valley City Council is accepting nominations for the 2022 Community Volunteer of the Year for extraordinary service to the community.
Eligible nominees must be Simi Valley residents who have contributed volunteer service within Simi Valley over the past year. Visit the Volunteer page on the City's website to complete the nomination form.
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The Senior Center Newsletter is a Go-To Resource for Community Members Ages 50+ |
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Stay Connected and Active Through Programs at the Senior Center |
Every month, the Senior Center staff creates a newsletter that serves as a handbook for recreation class schedules, programs, workshops, and other events offered at the Center.
Want to learn more? Read the latest issue and subscribe below.
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March Happenings at the
Simi Valley Public Library
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The Simi Valley Public Library Remains Fully Open to the Community
7 Days a Week
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Simi Valley Public Library's March lineup of events includes Writer's Workshops, Tech Thursdays, Concerts in the Courtyard, Senior Fitness, Family Storytime, crafts, displays and more - all free and open to the community!
Details about these activities and programs can be found on the Library website and social media channels.
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Reserve Your Table for the Summer Craft Fair at the Cultural Arts Center |
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The Outdoor Craft Fair is Scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2022, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
The Cultural Arts Center is now registering vendors for its Summer Craft and Gift Fair.
This year, the entire show will be held outdoors, taking place in the front of the building and in the parking lot. Spaces are $20 for each 10 x 10 space. Tables will be provided, but vendors must bring their own pop-up tents for shade.
Please email the the Cultural Arts Center for more information and to reserve your table.
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Simi Valley Police Department
Citizens Online Police Reporting System
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If the Incident is an Emergency,
Please Call 9-1-1
The SVPD's Citizens Online Reporting system allows police reports to be filed without visiting or calling the Police Station. Online reports are typically for non-emergency incidents that occurred within Simi Valley City limits (and not on a state freeway), with no known suspects.
Once filed, you'll receive a report number and you can save or print the report for your records.
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Acts Sought for Youth Council
Talent Show Competition and Showcase
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Talent of All Ages Encouraged To Apply |
The Simi Valley Youth Council is seeking talent show acts for its fourth annual Talent Show. Vocalists, musicians, dancers, bands and more are encouraged to audition for this impressive competition and showcase.
Approximately 25 acts will be selected to compete in the talent show to take place on Friday, May 20, 2022, at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. Solo and group acts are accepted.
Rumor has it actress Joey King once won a talent show at the Cultural Arts Center, so this could be your big break!
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Southern California Edison (SCE)
to Conduct Aerial Inspections in Simi Valley
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Aerial Inspections Identify Risks to Electrical Infrastructure in Remote, High Fire Risk Areas |
Over the next few weeks, SCE will be conducting aerial inspections in Simi Valley utilizing drones and/or helicopters.
SCE uses drones and helicopters to inspect equipment in hard-to-reach areas and from difficult angles. These inspections are a part of SCE's wildfire prevention and mitigation program.
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Earthquake Warning App Now Available from California Office of Emergency Services |
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MyShake App Provides Warnings for Earthquakes of 4.5 Magnitude or Greater |
Don’t let an earthquake catch you off guard! The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has launched the first ever statewide public earthquake warning system, Earthquake Warning California.
Californians can receive earthquake warnings with the state’s free MyShake App, which can be downloaded at the Apple App Store or Google Play on smartphones or tablets.
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Updated COVID-19 Mask Guidance |
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Masks Strongly Recommended For All Persons in Indoor Settings
In California, starting March 1, masks are no longer be required for unvaccinated individuals, but will be strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. After March 11, in schools and child care facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended.
Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities.
For complete COVID-19 information, including testing and vaccination site locations, please visit VCRecovers.
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Looking to change jobs or advance in your career? Whether temporary, part-time, or full-time, the City of Simi Valley has a variety of job opportunities. Working for the City is a great way to serve your community while earning competitive pay and excellent benefits.
A list of current openings is below. Make sure to check the City’s CalOpps page for the most up-to-date postings.
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City Hall Hours and Services |
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Simi Valley City Hall operating hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. City staff will be able to assist you with:
Waterworks District No. 8 water bills and sewer billing
Parking citation payments or Administrative Review process
Merchant permits and massage ordinance permits/registration
New and renewal dog licenses
Film or special event permits
Payments or payment arrangements for false alarm fees, wastewater discharge permit fees, damage recovery, or other general billing invoices.
More information on each of the above services is available at the Customer Services Division webpage. Here you will also find links to pay your utility bill online. Want to save a trip down to City Hall? Please call (805) 583-6736 and staff can assist you.
Planning and Building & Safety staff are also available at City Hall. It is highly recommended that you contact division staff prior to visiting City Hall.
Building and Safety: (805) 583-6723
(roofing, electrical permits)
Planning: (805) 583-6769
(accessory dwelling units [ADUs], home improvements, temporary use permits),
For the most complete information for both divisions, please visit the Environmental Services webpage.
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Address: 2929 Tapo Canyon Road
Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Phone: (805) 583-6700
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